Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul said on Sunday that newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will be sworn in at 10 AM on Tuesday, with the new cabinet scheduled to take oath later in the day at 4 PM on South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Speaking to reporters at the ministry, Nazrul said the oath of MPs would “most probably — I repeat, most probably — under the current circumstances” be administered by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
Quoting BNP party sources, he said that immediately after taking oath, the MPs would elect their leader of the parliamentary team at the same venue. The process is expected to take place between 11:30 AM and 12 PM.
The cabinet members will be sworn in at 4 PM at South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. “As far as I know, the President is scheduled to administer the oath,” Nazrul said.
Explaining the choice of venue, the law adviser said the idea of holding the ceremony at South Plaza was initially proposed by BNP, citing the historical and symbolic significance of the location following July mass uprising.
“My understanding is that this parliament is somewhat different. We attained this parliament through the sacrifices of students and the masses in July, through a mass uprising marked by immense sacrifice, hardship, pain and loss of lives. That is why this parliament is a little different from all others,” he said at the Secretariat.
He noted that several historic events, including July Declaration and July Charter, were held within the parliament complex, adding that South Plaza had become especially memorable.
“The funeral prayer of our late leader Begum Khaleda Zia was held at a nearby place as was the funeral of our beloved martyr Osman Hadi,” Nazrul said, adding that the plaza also emerged as a venue for documenting various aspects of July uprising.
“Considering all these factors, they perhaps expressed this intention and we arranged it accordingly,” he added.
Nazrul said a farewell meeting was held earlier in the day where no major decisions were taken. “We reflected on our work, shared experiences and informed everyone about the oath programme. It was more like a final meeting together,” he said.
Regarding invitations to the cabinet ceremony, he said those customarily invited under convention would receive invitations and that Cabinet Division is handling the matter.
On whether the Indian prime minister would attend, Nazrul said he had no such information.
“What I have heard so far is that Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the foreign ministers of SAARC countries. I have no information about any prime minister attending,” he said.
Dismissing speculation about his possible inclusion in the next cabinet, Nazrul said, “There is no question at all.”
